THE prospect of a Kiama arts precinct has moved forward.
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At its September meeting, Kiama councillors resolved to develop the plans for the Joyce Wheatley Centre as a Community Arts Centre, and also the old fire station.
They also moved to seek clarification from the state government on the proposal to relocate the ambulance station and residence.
In March 2013, council approved funding for a consultant to assess a suitable site within the Kiama CBD for a Community Arts Centre.
BHI Architects were contracted to assess four potential sites.
The four sites were the Old Police Station, council’s administration site, the Old Fire Station and the Community Centre.
In October 2014, council accepted the BHI report, including the recommendation that both the existing Joyce Wheatley Community Centre and the Old Fire Station sites be utilised.
According to council, the report did not give consideration to the area occupied by the ambulance station, as at the time of the report there was no indication that it may be moved.
At the August meeting, councillor Neil Reilly requested a report on the means and possibility of funding the proposed Kiama Arts Centre in the 2016/17 budget year.
“The current intention is to prepare architectural plans and then identify potential funding sources which may include sources such as the National Stronger Regions Fund, NSW Community Building Partnership, and the Arts NSW Regional Capital Project Funding,” council’s report said.
“At present $40,000 has been provided in the current budget to engage an architect to develop detailed plans based on the ‘Art Centre Site Assessment’ report.
“The plans would be for the redevelopment and extension of the Old Fire Station and Joyce Wheatley Community Centre.
“Once council has detailed plans, cost estimates and potentially an approved DA, the intention is to apply for funding for the construction of the centre as opportunities arise.”
During the March NSW state election, the Liberal Party made an election promise of $3.5 million to relocate the Kiama Ambulance Station.
According to council, no further information has been made available.
“However, given this pledge, council may wish to consider the impact the relocation could have on any plans for the redevelopment of the Old Fire Station and Joyce Wheatley Community Centre,” council’s report said.
“As there may be an impact on the preferred design, council may prefer to delay the preparation of detailed plans and seek confirmation from (Kiama MP) Gareth Ward.
“Alternatively council may wish to proceed with plans assuming that the Ambulance Station and associated residence will be relocated/removed.”